Cinnaminson Alumni Gathering to Honor Longtime Teacher

Like so many people, Stacey Blacker was shaped by her high school teachers, who helped guide her through her formative years.

But it bothered Blacker that those educators were rarely recognized until they'd passed away and it was too late for them to appreciate it. 

"I said to another teacher, 'It's ridiculous we wait until somebody passes away to say nice things,'" Blacker said. "You have all this time to tell them."

So Blacker (class of '85) along with other members of the Cinnaminson High School Alumni Association, came together last year to honor former teacher and longtime football coach Tom McHugh.

This weekend, the group will recognize another influential Cinnaminson educator, retired Spanish teacher/class advisor/yearbook committee chairman Nick Pascale.

Blacker said the Alumni Association is intended as a way for alumni to connect, moreso on a professional level than a social one.

For example, she explained, "If you went to high school with Jim Smith ... and his family owns a hardware store, why not patronize them as well?"

The gathering to honor Pascale—scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 29) at The Bank on Main (604 Main St., Riverton)—is mostly an informal gathering for alumni to come and meet up, enjoy food and refreshments, and pay homage to a beloved teacher.

Tickets are $15 per person. You can purchase them here (or at the door). 

Blacker said her ultimate goal is to grow the Alumni Association to the point where they can establish a fund for creating scholarships and contributing to other worthy causes.